A scientist boards a plane from Amsterdam to Washington. Returning to a world she thought she knew, she discovers nothing, and nowhere, is what she expects. CHEMICAL EXILE takes participants to eight locations across the DC area as a complex story unfolds about families, forgotten histories, and the uncharted frontiers of the mind.
PSYCHOGEOGRAPHIES is Rorschach Theatre’s visionary new experience that takes participants to unexpected locations around their city while a season-long fictional narrative plays out over layers of history and magic realism. Guests receive a box in the mail monthly that includes a new Chapter in the story, each box containing hand-crafted objects – letters, drawings, souvenirs, photos, or even snacks – and a map to a location in their city. The season ends with a live in-person event that culminates the story.
CHEMICAL EXILE: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
I prefer not to leave my home at this time. Can I still participate?
Yes! Each chapter will provide alternative instructions for experiencing the contents in your own home including a video that walks through the location. The final performance in July 2022 will be a live in-person event but a recorded version of the performance will be available in Fall 2022.
The “at home” version of each chapter can also serve as a way to experience each chapter if you live in another city or as a recap of your adventure after you have already experienced it.
Do I need to purchase a separate box for each member of my household?
It really depends on how you want to engage with the experience. Items in the box may be best used by one person at a time, so you may have to take turns with them, or in some cases there may be consumables. Each CHEMICAL EXILE season purchase includes one seat for the performance in summer of 2022. If you choose a single box for a multi-user household, you’ll need to purchase additional seats for the final performances. Those tickets will be available in spring 2022.
When will the chapters be sent? What’s my deadline to sign up?
New chapters will ship the last week of each month between October and May. You may sign up at any time and typically back orders are mailed weekly. If you sign up anytime after the project has begun, you’ll receive all previous chapters in your first shipment.
Is this okay for kids?
In most cases yes. It generally falls in the PG-13 range. Whether or not kids are invested in the story itself will, of course, depend on the child and their age, but we’ve found most young participants really enjoy exploring new locations throughout their city.
How far will I have to travel to reach each month’s location?
Most locations are within DC, though we anticipate having one Maryland and one Virginia location this season.
Do I need a car to participate in this?
All seven locations, as well as the final performance location, have some degree of public transportation accessibility. (Though we understand not everyone may wish to use public transportation at this time.) If you are unable or prefer not to travel to any chapter destination, we provide alternative at-home instructions.
When are these events happening?
Whenever you want! Certain locations have specific open/closed hours to be aware of, but generally you can launch your own experience whenever it’s convenient for you.
How are you ensuring the safety of participants?
Most locations tend to be less trafficked. We also ask that participants wear masks when required by the city or private businesses and remain distanced from anyone else they encounter on their adventure. Generally experiences will be primarily outdoors. We also look to participants to exercise their own excellent judgement–look both ways when crossing streets, don’t hassle pigeons, wear your seatbelt and make good choices.
How long does each experience take?
While your travel time will vary based on your starting location and mode of transportation, we anticipate each experience being 15-40 minutes of content. Additionally, each expedition will come with further suggestions of optional ways to enhance your trip.
Do I have to experience the first seven chapters to see the live show?
Nope! Anyone should be able to enjoy the final performance. However, you’ll enjoy it even more if you’ve experienced Chapters 1-7.
Can I participate after the summer show has passed?
Absolutely! If you subscribe after the live show has already passed (summer 2022), you will be sent a link to the video we made of the live performance. If you missed last season’s DISTANCE FREQUENCIES, you can still purchase the entire experience here.
Have a question that’s not answered here?
Write to us at info@rorschachtheatre.com and we’ll get back to you ASAP.
